Unionized workers of The Lever have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement since affiliating with the Denver Newspaper Guild-CWA, Local 37074. The agreement covers eight workers and strengthens protections from the previous contract, ratified when The Lever Union was an independent union. That includes a shorter probationary period for new employees; more robust healthcare coverage, including full dental and vision coverage; expanded severance; and a CBA signing bonus. It follows six months of organizing and negotiations.
“This deal is a testament to the hard work of our members, and we’re thrilled to have reached a deal for an even stronger contract with The Lever’s management,” said Natalie Bettendorf, Lever podcast producer and member of the union’s bargaining committee.
The Lever is an award-winning independent investigative news outlet that was founded in 2020 by David Sirota. Workers at The Lever first unionized independently in 2022, and achieved a first contract in December 2023. Last summer, The Lever Union joined with The NewsGuild-CWA.
The ratified three-year agreement highlights include:
- A six-month probationary period for new employees, instead of one year;
- As much as $800 towards monthly health insurance and full dental & vision coverage;
- Monthly tech stipend;
- Two weeks of company holiday, in addition to standard PTO;
- 8 weeks of severance;
- A $2,300 ratification bonus for all bargaining unit employees, effective immediately
You can keep up with The Lever Union on Instagram and X @theleverunion.